Exercise is the physical conditioning of the body. Aim for 30 – 60 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week. Physical activity is a great way to relieve stress. Exercise provides a feeling of well-being, burns extra calories to promote weight loss and lowers blood glucose levels.
Include aerobic exercise, strength training, stretching and being extra active every day as part of your physical conditioning. Remember you do not need to do the 30 – 60 minutes of exercise all at once. Your exercise can be broken up into smaller segments through out the day.
Relaxation allows the physical body to regenerate itself. Aim for 8 hours of sleep daily. Then before you put anything else on your schedule, ink in 1-2 hours devoted to hobbies or leisure activity. A leisurely walk in the park or on the beach can be very relaxing.
Many people just like to sit quietly and free their mind of all thoughts. Others like to knit or listen to soft music. It is important that you decide what helps you to relax and practice it daily. Relaxation can also help to keep your blood glucose levels in good control.
As you travel on your wellness journey you will experience many emotions. It’s natural to move back and forth between acceptance, fear, resentment, frustration and depression. Allow yourself to feel and express your feelings. And in between, find a way to take care of yourself.
Constance Brown-Riggs, MSEd, RD, CDE, CDN is a registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator, national speaker and author of The African American Guide to Living Well with Diabetes.. She is Dannon One Yogurt Every Day Nutrition Advisor.